David Element
Wildlife Photography and Digital Video Images
__________________________________________________________Moths
123 - Centre-barred Sallow Moths
CENTRE-BARRED SALLOW MOTH Atethmia
centrago
CENTRE-BARRED SALLOW MOTH Atethmia
centrago
·
A subtle combination of yellow ochre and pink,
quite an uncommon combination, adorns the wings of the Centre-barred Sallow
Moth Atethmia centrago
(Noctuidae, Acronictinae).
These markings are not particularly clearly defined in some examples, as shown
above, but their shape is diagnostic when separating these moths from other
Sallow Moths belonging to the genus Xanthia. All are somewhat
variable in the intensity and colour of their markings, but at least there aren’t
too many likely confusion species! The vernacular name of this late-summer
flying moth is misleading, as the larval foodplant is mature Ash Fraxinus
excelsior, or more specifically the buds and flowers, so there may be a
negative impact on this common moth’s population (and indeed those of other
invertebrates and their predators) associated with the felling of so many trees
affected by Ash-dieback. This disease is caused by a recently imported fungus
that blocks the transportation system of the trees, meaning that it may be
unsafe to leave them standing, particularly in public places, because of the
risk of branches falling spontaneously. The name ‘Sallow’ is believed to refer
to the yellowish colour of the insect’s wings rather than the foodplant, as the
larvae of most of the moths bearing this name don’t actually feed on Sallow.
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